While it’s true that social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and others can and do track your precise position, this doesn’t mean that stalkers or other bad actors may access this information.
A tweet and an Instagram post are going viral because they warn users that an iOS update has made it possible for anyone to track their precise position via Instagram. Although the post suggests that thieves are actively exploiting such precise location data to get into houses and vehicles, this is, of course, not the case.
Most iPhone apps require permission to access your microphone, contacts, images, camera, and location when you first install them. An app may request your location in order to, say, provide you directions or arrange for food delivery. However, apps can also track your movements with the help of your location data, which can be shared with third parties and used to serve you more relevant ads.
By 2020, Apple had updated its operating system to iOS 14, which altered the way in which consumers may control their devices’ location data. You can now disable precise location monitoring, restricting app access to merely your approximate position.
Even if you aren’t particularly concerned about thieves or stalkers, the idea of social media being able to track your every move can still give you the creeps. Find out how to disable exact location monitoring across all apps on your iPhone.
In What Ways May You Disable Your IPhone’s Location Services?
Make sure you’re running iOS 14 or later, and then open the device’s configuration preferences in the Settings app. Select the app (such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or TikTok) whose location you don’t want to share. Click the app’s icon, then select Settings > Location.
If you have allowed this app to access your location while using it, you will see a checkbox next to one of the following options: Ask Next Time; Ask When I Share; or While Using the App. This is followed by the “Precise Location” option. Turn off Precise Location if you no longer want this app to have access to your precise location.
